SEPTEMBER

2009

CAMP ADAMS
ORIENTATION:

• This event is a
REQUIRED event.

• Dates - October
10th —11th. Welcome 2009-2010 AFS Students!
• Deadline for
registration is no
later than October
2nd.

• You can register

online:
www.afscp.com
(Today's Hot Link)

• Orientation
contact -
Ron Combs

• Registration
contact -
Tami Spears
On August 15, 2009 the 09/10 hosting season volunteers and host families for their participation
began. The students arrived at the Zion Lutheran this year. At 4:30 PM the students were ready to
Church in Camas, Washington for their first be announced. Support Coordinator Bernie
INSIDE orientation. Once the students were all settled Gerhardt introduced the students by country,
into their groups, they started to learn about their “Annika from Austria...Kim from Austria...Jahan
THIS ISSUE:
lives in America. from Azerbaijan” and so on. As the students were
• Personal safety and wellbeing paired up with their host families, they had their
Portland 3
City Walk • Cultural adjustment and coping
• Cultural learning
Culture 4 • Personal goals and expectations
Shock At 3:30 PM the host families arrived with
Pendleton 5
Round-Up

What The 7
Students
Have to Say

Hayley’s Blog 9

Volunteer first picture taken, grabbed their luggage, then

10
were off to start their new life in America.
News balloons and signs in hand, anticipating their new Good luck, happy cultural learning and by all
family member. James Spears, the Area Team means...HAVE FUN!!!
Calendar 11 Chair, gave a fantastic speech thanking all the

AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world

by providing international and intercultural learning experiences
to individuals, families, schools, and communities
through a global volunteer partnership.
 A Message From the Area Team Chair
PAGE 2
What we have done for ourselves
alone dies with us; what we have
done for others and the world re-
mains and is immortal. - Albert Pike
I hope that quote makes you
feel good about your involvement
with AFS . Because it's
true. Whether you're a host par-
ent, a host sibling, an exchange
student, or a volunteer, you're
making a difference in the
world. You could have gone
about your life taking care of
James and Aom at
yourself and your family. I know;
the Pendleton there's a lot going on. And world-
Round-Up wide economic uncertainty isn't
helping anything. But you didn't
go about business as usual. You
decided that you wanted to make
a difference in the world and
share your culture with someone
else. And these acts will remain
and be immortal far longer than
you. You will inspire someone
else to take on the same chal-
lenge, regardless of difficulties or
“What we have
done for ourselves
alone dies with us;
what we have
Hosting News
Congratulations to everyone who
made our 2009 hosting season a
done for others success! We are currently hosting
53 students from 27 different
and the world countries. Even in the face of
economic uncertainty the Columbia
remains and is Pacific chapters continued to grow
and increased their total hosting
immortal.” numbers over the prior year. Our
geographic region grew this season
- Albert Pike stretching northward into Chehalis
and Tenino, WA. Bravo to everyone
for their brilliant efforts and
contributions this year.
Our country/student breakdown
is as follows:
Austria (2); Azerbaijan; Flemish
Belgium; French Belgium; Brazil;
Chile (2); Colombia; Czech Republic;
Denmark; Egypt; Finland; France (3);
Germany (8); Hungary; Indonesia;
Italy (6); Japan (3); Kenya; Moldova;
Netherlands; Norway; Paraguay;
Philippines; Spain; Switzerland (3);
Thailand (6); Turkey; Turkmenistan.
As our students begin to settle
into their families and communities
we realize the work is not done.
We continue to need Liaisons and
uncertainty. Because it's good for
others and good for the world.
If you don't already know it, I
think it's important that you know
who founded AFS. It was ambu-
lance drivers from World War I
and World War II. They saw
young lives cut short on the bat-
tlefields of the first half of the
twentieth century and thought
there had to be another way; a
way for us to understand each
other better. The first high
school exchanges over 60 years
ago were between Germany and
America. Can you imagine the
bravery of those particular high
school students, leaving the safety
and comfort of their homes for
new families in countries that had
recently been "the enemy?" And
can you imagine the difference
they made in their host communi-
ties? Brave students from the
Middle East are now taking on
similar challenges. It won't be
Aunt/Uncle Families. These two
roles help provide support and
encouragement for our students
throughout the year. You can find
descriptions of these opportunities at
the Columba Pacific website,
www.afscp.com. If you would like to
become or know of someone who
would like to be a Liaison, please
contact Bernie Gerhardt at
bmgerhardt@aol.com or Andrea
Rapp at andrealynne70@msn.com.
If you can help by becoming an
Aunt/Uncle Family or know of
someone who would like to be one,
please contact Andrea Johnson at
mattj29@gmail.com.
As we look toward the future,
the Area Hosting Team has set the
following goals. We believe the
accomplishment of these three goals
will help prepare the Area Team for
an even more successful season next
year. The goals are the following:
1. Build out defined chapters on the
west side of Portland. If you
currently live on the west side of
Portland or can be involved in
helping build our chapters, please
easy for them. But they'll make a
world of difference.
The mission of AFS is and
always has been "working toward
a more just and peaceful world"
through cultural ex-
change. Whether this is your first
year being involved with AFS or
your twentieth, I hope you find it
joyful. Joyful in one of those self-
ish ways that dies with us. The
memories you make and the rela-
tionships you build this year will
last the rest of your life. But I also
hope that you take on the year
with gusto and with the knowl-
edge that you're making a differ-
ence in the world. I think it's
important that you understand
and occasionally reflect upon the
true impact of this journey you've
undertaken. Savor the trip with
the knowledge that we're all par-
ticipating in something bigger than
ourselves.
James Spears, Area Team Chair
contact Sally Ann Wells our
Volunteer Coordinator at
sawells@teleport.com.
2. Continue to build out our current
chapters by helping increase their
volunteer base.
3. Increase our communication
methods by utilizing computer
programs such as Global Link
(AFS National’s new in-house
systems software) and Highrise
(web based contact management
software).
With the completion of the
hosting responsibilities for the 2009
season, the opportunity opens to
prepare for next year. The time is
now to help build for the future.
We encourage participation and ask
for your support.
Become involved and build for
the future.
Thank you,
Columbia Pacific Area Hosting Team
Stacey Mills
Andrea Johnson
 PAGE 3

Portland City Walk—Brittny from Thailand

On Saturday the 8th of September 2009, there was
a city walk in Downtown Portland. We went to many
interesting places such as the Chinese Gardens,
Saturday Market and some historical places. It was a
great walk. We gained a lot of knowledge and we
know more about Portland too. Of course I had a lot
of fun with AFS friends and volunteers. We also got a
chance to make more friends from different countries.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the trip
planners Jeff Larson and Ron Combs for this wonderful
city walk. :-) Elina from Finland
Supichaya (Brittny) from Thailand and Idil from Turkey
Record number of participants attend the 2009
Portland City Walk.

Funny Stories from Host Parents

Well, he (Alban from Elina from Finland and I were school was the following day. She
“We had no idea

Germany) got introduced to a nice
delicacy, lamb with mint jelly. He
practically gagged! At least,
though, he’s putting Heinz 57 on
everything instead of ketchup like
our past students. 57 is a little
more dignified for a steak than
ketchup.—The Palter Family
It pays to know another
language! I spent my AFS year
abroad in Sweden. I am a bit rusty
with my Swedish (after all it has
been 16 years), but I still
remember enough. That was
evidently clear one night when
discussing food. She was very
much at a loss for a particular
word and I knew what she was
trying to say and said it to her in
Swedish (which happens to be her
2nd language). She immediately
smiled and then asked what the
word was in English. The mystery
word that made us girls giggle
was...Cucumber! - The Mueller
Family
Naima, our Kenyan exchange
student, and I were driving home
from spending time with my family.
Her first day at her new high
the impact we
started a conversation with me
saying she didn’t know we shared would have on
Locas here. Locas, Locas, what is
that… I couldn’t think of it. She
such a wonderful
said, “At school, Locas.” “Oh,
Lockers!” I finally understood her
accent! “Lockers, Yes!” I taught individual. We
her the short ‘O’ and the ‘R’ sound
for Locker. She practiced and we gained more
had a good laugh.—The Reed
Family than a friend, we
Thanks Families. Keep sending me gained a son.”
these great stories for future
newsletters!! James & Tami Spears

Idil from Turkey

Idil showing off her take and the
tell-tale juice on her face.
Over the Labor Day weekend, Idil
from Turkey and her host parents,
Mike and Debbie Erickson made a
trip to the area above Merrill Lake,
close to Cougar Washington to
find wild huckleberries. The road
was long and bumpy, the view was
awesome, the rain came and went,
but there they were...those little
elusive berries. We picked a
bucket full, maybe a few more than
that—but the berry juice on Idil’s
face tells what happened to the
rest!
Idil has officially become a
Kelso Highlander Lassie,
swimming with the team.
Their first meet was
September 10; swimming
relays. Idil will be the one
to watch as the season
progresses. The team was
exited to have Idil join
them and have really
welcomed her.
Go Lassies!!
Idil after swimming the 400
breast stroke relay race.
 PAGE 4

Culture Shock
What is culture?
CULTURE is a ways of looking at, living in, and interacting with the world and other people. One
country may include several subcultures, and conversely, one culture may span several large
geographic areas and contain several countries.
Culture is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the
members of a society. Culture reflects the total way of life of particular groups of people. It
includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and make its customs, language, and
material of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation.
What separates members of a culture from outsiders is that members instinctively know how to
deal with situations involving the hidden dimensions of their own culture. This lack of instinctive
behavior is what results in CULTURE SHOCK—a sense of frustration, isolation, and homesickness.
Students new to our culture don’t instinctively know how to recognize and interpret our culture.
And we, as members of our culture, may not initially recognize cultural challenges that those outside
Lovely Long Neck
our culture may go through.
Women of the
Padung Tribe in
Northern Thailand Symptoms of Handling symptoms of
culture shock culture shock
• Everything is an effort. 1. Recognize the symptoms as legitimate conditions
• Participants really miss familiar that neither the student nor the host family have
surroundings, they long for the comforts caused and are not responsible for making go
CULTURE is a way of home. away. Provide relief and minimize any additional
stress.
• Participants feel very critical of their host 2. Early on, discuss culture shock, and throughout
of looking at, living country, culture and family.
the process, normalize culture shock behavior.
• Participants may even develop physical Know that it doesn’t last forever.
in, and interacting manifestations: headaches, stomach 3. Encourage “reaching out” behavior.
aches, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping. 4. Encourage the participant to pick an area of
with the world and
• Participants feel isolated. interest they have always had and to pursue that
other people. are in-depth while they are here—or to pursue
something new.

Ways to help ease distress from culture shock

1. Allow for “time-out” periods. Culture shock comes and goes. One day a
participant will be fine, the next day, miserable. During this time, keep the
pressure off; postpone “learning” situations.
Cultural
2. Expect periodic withdrawal. It may occur because the participant is feeling
Difference in confused, exhausted, or homesick. Don’t view it as a sign of rejection.
Food—Fried 3. Expect disagreements between the host family and the participant and
between the host siblings and the participant and respond to them.
Scorpions and
4. Be prepared for judgmental remarks. If a participant is feeling very critical
Grasshoppers of his/her host community, they may make very negative or judgmental
are statements that they don’t really mean and which don’t represent their
considered a true feelings about the U.S. or their host family.
5. Encourage extra rest.
delicacy in 6. Avoid “no-exit” (ultimatum) situations.
Beijing, China 7. Tolerate your participant’s intense feelings. Anticipate some tears and
accept them without feeling guilty.
8. Minimize complications and stress as much as possible. The participants
may be already functioning at maximum capacity for the moment.

WWW.AFSCP.COM
 PAGE 5

Pendleton Round-Up “Let ‘er Buck”

On September 17th and
18th, the students ventured
out on their second Area
Team event, the 99th
Pendleton Round-Up. 42
AFSer’s arrived at the drop-off
point at 6:30 AM then set out
for Pendleton, Oregon. The
Round-Up started for the kids
at 1:00 where they watched
bull riding, bareback riding and
the Indian relay race. Once
the Round-Up was done, the
students were able to visit the
Native American village. Dinner
was a western barbeque where
they served hamburgers, hotdogs, baked
beans, salad and watermelon. After dinner
they rushed off to see The Happy Canyon
Native American Pageant.
Native
American
Princes.
Since 1916 the Happy Canyon Night
Show has thrilled audiences and become the
world’s most unique Indian Pageant. Every
year over 500 volunteers come together to
portray the culture and traditions of local surrounding communities also participated.
The Westward Ho! Parade
pays tribute to the early days in
the West and to the pioneers
whose descendants participated
in the Round-Up.
At 1:00 PM they departed
for home and made a quick
stop at the fish hatchery at
Bonneville Dam.
Thanks go out to the
chaperones Mark Gardner,
Margaret Hill, Jeff Larson, James
Spears and Ron Combs.
AFSers who attended the Pendleton Round-Up
tribes, the coming of Lewis and Clark and
the Oregon Trail pioneers, concluding with
the fast action of a frontier town.
After the show the students headed off
to the teen dance until midnight.
Sleeping?..not much. The students woke up
at 5 AM (YES, 5 AM!) and walked to the
Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Cowboy
Breakfast at Stillman Park. After breakfast,
it was free sightseeing time before the
Westward Ho! Parade.
The unique Westward Ho! Parade began
with a bang. The students got to see the
Indians who were camped at the Round-Up
grounds dressed in their tribal finery from
grandmother to the tiniest tot. In the
parade there were no motorized vehicles
allowed in the line of the march. All types
of early transportation were featured, from
mules with jerk line to oxen-drawn covered
wagons, Mormon carts, buggies and surreys.
Riding groups and marching bands from the

Welcome New Support Co-Coordinator Andrea Rapp

The Columbia Pacific Area
Team would like to introduce
you to our newest member of
our Support Coordinator
team—Andrea Rapp.
Andrea has been an AFS
volunteer since 2005. She has
enjoyed being a group leader
for the AFS orientations as well
as a very active liaison for
several students. Andrea is an
AFS returnee (Austria—1987)
and has been a host sibling to
many AFS students. Andrea’s
Norwegian sister surprised her
several years ago when she and
her husband named their own
daughter Andrea.
Professionally, Andrea is a
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
and has been practicing as a
Social Worker in Early
Childhood Social Education and
in Community Mental Heath in
the Portland area since 1998.
You can find her teaching
Positive Discipline classes, with
her dog or with friends,
reading, listening to music, or
out on a hike during her free
time.
Andrea, as Support
Coordinator, is responsible for
all students from Portland
Metro (Beaverton/Hillsboro/
Aloha, Lake Oswego, Yamhill
County, North Clackamas,
Northwest/Southwest Portland,
North/Northeast Portland,
Southeast Cluster) and West
outlying areas (Oregon Coast).
Andrea Rapp
 PAGE 6
The Dalles Chapter news
A Letter To The Students—
Andreas, Denmark (08/09)
“Every day I remind
My AFS year in USA is for
myself that I may be me now, one of the single
greatest experiences of my life.
the only person from My host family has become a
part of my own family, and my
Thailand that american friends I will do
whatever I can to keep in
people in my host touch with, for they have
meant the world to me. It is
communities will because of this that I choose
not to end my AFS experience
ever meet. I want to with my going home to
Denmark. I have chosen to
leave them with a volunteer for AFS, and
hopefully be able to give many
good impression of more people this single
greatest experience of their
our country and its own lives, with their own
memories of a year, gone by all
people.—Exchange too fast.
When I returned home to
Teacher, 2006-07 Denmark, I was greeted by
family and friends. People
seemed the same as they
always were, and when they
weren’t I knew it was because
I had changed, and that my
values are now different,
because of my exchange year.
Time went by, and soon it was
my first day of school, where I
started getting to know new
WWW.AFSCP.COM
The Dalles Chapter welcomed
three boys this year:
Alessandro from Italy is hosted
by Jamie and DeeDee Carrico
who are new to AFS. Alex
from Switzerland is hosted by
Tedd and Rymmel Lovell, The
Dalles Chapter Chair and long
time AFSers. Tim from
Belgium is hosted by Tom and
Laurie Nichol, also new to
AFS. Alex has been actively
involved with the cross-
people and make new friends.
Being used to high school, and
all the fun stuff that goes along
with it, I was wrongly skeptical
of my own new school. It was
just boring, and with no school
teams or school spirit, I almost
gave up.
AFS sent me a mail soon
after, inviting me to the post-
return orientation in Slagelse,
Denmark. I didn’t expect to
get contacted by AFS, but I
went to the camp and reunited
with all the people from the
pre-orientation. We had a
blast and through games and
personal talk with others, I
realized that I am not alone
about returning home, or
alone in starting in a new
”boring” danish school. I
learned to cope with all the
things that come from
returning home, and I got
more friends at the same time.
So here I am today. I have
held a presentation to
numerous hopeful exchange
students and their parents at a
local library. In a few weeks I
am gonna be doing a couple
country team while Tim is on
the varsity soccer team.
September 14th a welcome
picnic was enjoyed by host
families and AFS supporters in
the community. The boys
have become friends and
joined together at football
games, dances, and other
school functions. We are
looking forward to a
rewarding, intercultural year.
more presentations with my
friend, Martin, at some local
schools, hoping to convince
even more people to go out
and have an amazing year with
AFS, whether it is in USA,
Mexico, France or Germany
etc.
I had an amazing year, I still
have an amazing AFS-
experience, and I know you
(current exchange students),
still have more awesome
experiences to come(trust
me!), and know that even
when it’s done this year will be
with you forever.
Andreas, Denmark (Portland,
OR 08-09)

What the Exchange Students have to say...
What did the Exchange Students
have to say when they were asked
the following questions?
1. What groups, clubs and/or
sports have you joined?
• I will be on the swim team starting
in November. I know joining
Clubs is a good opportunity to
make new friends—Jahan,
Azerbaijan
• I’ve joined the international club,
actually all the exchange students
in my school have joined this club
but I love it too. I also joined the
Japanese Club which I have a trip
to Portland to see the Taiko’s Lost
and Found performance—Aom,
Thailand
• I joined the Jefferson dancers—
Laura, France
• I’ve joined a dance club—Riho,
Japan
• I joined the Camas High School
band—Simon, Switzerland
• I am joining the Madison High
School Cross Country Team—
Thatchanont, Thailand
• In school I joined the cross country
team and I take powder puff
football. In one week I go to
outdoor school—Lucia, Germany
• I have joined the acting class—
Britny, Thailand
• I will be joining the German club
and Tennis team—Anna, Germany
• I joined the soccer team and I’m
going to help with homecoming—
Annika, Austria
• I will join the basketball team in
Aloha High School—Chayanit,
Thailand
• I joined the tech team for drama. I
really like the people and it is very
interesting to see how everything
goes—Silke, Germany
2. What is your funniest moment
you have experienced so far in
America?
• My funniest moment is hearing
Americans burp all the time—Riho,
Japan
• My first visit of an American
supermarket. It was a Wal-Mart
and I was completely fascinated
about the big bottles and other
packages—Hendrik, Germany
• Watching Americas Funniest
Videos—Aom, Thailand
• My first football game was the
funniest moment. I was playing
there with the CHS band and also
watching the game—Simon,
Switzerland
• When I do something wrong, I will
remember it forever and it is very
funny too—Thatchanont, Thailand
• My strangest moment was when
the bus didn’t come on my second
school day and I came half an hour
late to school—Lucia, Germany
• I think the funniest moment in
America is when I study in acting
class and my friends they are all
acting so funny—Britny, Thailand
• The funniest thing was when I first
heard the word pooped out :) -
Annika, Austria
• The state fair was the funniest
thing—Alberto, Chile
• I think the funniest moment was
when I said that I love
“cooking” but everyone
understood me to say “cocaine”.
People asked me if I would take a
lot of drugs in Germany ;) - Silke,
Germany
3. What is your strangest moment
you have experienced so far in
America?
• The strangest moment is that no
one knows about my country—
Jahan, Azerbaijan
• My first strangest moment was my
first day of school!! I was sooo
nervous! - Laura, France
• The positions of traffic lanes are
opposite between America and
Japan—Riho, Japan
• The strangest moment was the
assembly at my high school
because it works so much
PAGE 7
differently than in Germany and I
felt very uncomfortable most of
the time—Hendrik, Germany
• Seeing people with scary tattoos,
rings in their mouths or at the
middle of their tongs (Yak!!) and
SUPER HUGE earrings that will
swing with they walk—Aom,
Thailand
• My first school day was my
“I think the funniest
strangest moment because
everything was new and I moment was when I
didn’t understand so much—
Simon, Switzerland said that I love
• I am not used to eat bread
every other meal like “cooking” but
breakfast (toast), lunch
(sandwich) dinner (grilled everyone
cheese bread) etc.. Because
we normally eat rice— understood me to
Thatchanont, Thailand
• My funniest moment was say “cocaine”.
when I danced with my host
brother to a movie end title. People asked me if I
Also when I got a very funny
email from my grandpa from would take a lot of
Germany, he wrote many
jokes—Lucia, Germany drugs in Germany” -
• The strangest moment in the Silke, Germany
US is when my friends told me
that she has a first boyfriend
since she’s in 4th grade...isn’t it
strange?? - Britny, Thailand
• One day I went boating with some
friends. When I woke up the next
day I had about 30 mosquito bite
on my leg! That was kind of
strange because I never had this
before—Anna,
Germany
• My strangest
moment was
maybe my first
day of school
when I was
going fr o m
class to class
w i t h o u t
k n o w i n g
anyone...but
now it really
got much
better. I made
my first friends
that’s great! -
Silke, Germany
Yuma from Japan and Pauline
from France
 PAGE 8
Mt. Hood Railroad Trip—Claudia, Italy
On August 20, my host dad
Garry, my host sister Selina,
her husband Scott, their son
Ethan and I took a trip on the
Mt. Hood Railroad that started
in city of Hood River on the
Columbia River. It was really
relaxing!! The train rocked
and traveled so slowly, I even
fell asleep. The landscapes
were really pretty and we
took lots of pictures from the
train. We arrived in Parkdale,
where we had lunch. We
didn’t visit the entire village,
but what I saw was very
Some AFSers have
become world
leaders. Surin P. was Elisa (Germany 07/08) Visits Oregon
from a rural village Elisa (Germany 07/08)
visited her host parents (Garry
in Southern Thailand and Marilyn Hays) for several
weeks this summer. Elisa
and was hosted in arrived from Germany on June
30 and was able to visit friends
Minnesota. He went and family members. She even
joined the family for a trip to
on to earn a Ph. D. the Florence area during the
4th of July weekend. She
from Harvard and enjoyed visiting the Oregon
Coast Aquarium at Newport,
became his country’s taking a sand dune buggy ride
and a enjoying a BBQ on July
Minister of Foreign 4th at the beach.
Elisa and her host dad,
Affairs. Garry, took a trip down the
Eastern Cascades and High
Sierras, visiting Crater Lake
National
Park, Lake
Tahoe,
Virginia
L a k e s
(south of
Bridgeport,
CA), June
L a k e s
(south of
Lee Vining,
CA), and
Yosemite
WWW.AFSCP.COM
pretty. It seemed so quiet. the mountain that is the most
Then we came back to Hood photographed in all of the US.
River where we started from I really enjoyed this day trip
in the morning. and I spent a very beautiful
My host sister, her husband day!! Thanks to everyone that
and son returned home while made this possible.
my host dad and I traveled
Claudia from Italy
around Mt. Hood to a
beautiful place called
Timberline Lodge which
is located at the base of
Mt. Hood. There we
took some pictures of
Mt. Hood and the Italian
flag outside of the lodge.
I think that Mt. Hood is
National Park. They spent a then traveled to Hawaii to
couple of days in Yosemite and tour four Hawaiian islands in
Elisa fell in love with the area. three weeks. They visited the
She felt it was one of the most islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui
beautiful places in the world – and Hawaii. In an email to her
the waterfalls, tall granite rock host parents, she described
formations, and panoramic her trip to Hawaii as
views from Glacier Point. “awesome” and being one of
They departed Yosemite the most exciting places in the
National Park and traveled to world. Overall, she described
San Francisco to meet Marilyn her six weeks in America as a
who flew down from Portland. trip of a lifetime.
Elisa, Garry and Marilyn spent
five wonderful days in San Garry Hays
Francisco, staying in the
Fisherman Wharf area. Elisa
enjoyed visiting and eating in
the Italian area, Chinatown,
Japan town, Fisherman’s
Wharf, Sausalito, riding the
Trolley Cars, and walking
around the Golden Gate
National Park area.
After, spending a fantastic
time visiting very scenic areas
of Oregon and California and
spending time in her dream
city, San Francisco, she
departed for the San Francisco
airport to meet her Father
who was traveling from
Germany. She and her father
 PAGE 9

Hayley’s Blog—American in Thailand

Hailey is an American student from
Oregon who is spending a year in
Thailand through AFS. Here is
excerpt from her Blog.
100 days, wow. Just the idea of
being in another country, away
from familiar family and friends, for
this long is hard to imagine. But,
here I am! 100 days after I arrived
in Thailand.
Thursday morning was the
beginning of English camp and Meri
(a 6 week exchange student in
Chumphonburi) and I started off
the camp by singing some songs,
reciting the camp rules, and helping
to teach some American Square
Dance as we waited for 5 other
exchange students to arrive. We
heard that their van broke down
just outside of Surin (about an hour
and a half from Chumphonburi) so
they didn’t arrive until 1 pm. But
once they got to camp, we divided
into 4 groups, 2 exchange students
per group, to have the Thai
students ask us questions in English.
Since there were only 7 exchange
students I got a group all to myself.
After the question and answer
period was over we helped the
students create a skit where they
could do just about anything they
wanted. The only rules were that
it had to be in English and every
student had to say at least 2 lines.
My group decided to base their skit
off of one of the camp songs called
“I’m a cat”. They paired off with
each pair choosing an animal from
the song and then wrote a
conversation about things that the
animals like to do. The skits were
performed after dinner so it gave
them plenty of time to memorize
their lines and make their
costumes.
During dinner we decided that
Gaia (a girl from Italy) and Anja
(German girl) would spend the
night with me at the host family’s
house here. And Susan (Chinese
teacher), Jelly (Belgian teacher), and
Jannia (German boy) would stay
with Meri. We managed to make
dinner last till 8 pm with our non-
stop talking. It was nice to have
exchange students living so close to
Krasang.
After dinner we started off
singing a song called “Down and
Up” where for every ‘down’ you
squat and ‘up’ you stand. Then you
“walk to the left and walk to the
right. Turn around and walk walk
walk.” Repeat, but replace the
word ‘walk’ with clap, run, jump,
and this weird banging motion. So
we did the whole song once, then
again, then they told the Thai
students to stand up and we did it
2 more times. I’ll tell you, that’s a
real good workout for your legs! I
think we did a total of at least 40
squats. After a few more songs
each group presented their skits.
One group did a talent show,
another did a skit about the Loy
Krathong festival, and one group
even did a skit about Snow White.
Once the skits were finished
(around 9:30 pm) the students
went to bed and we had a brief
meeting to discuss the next day.
And after that? A barbeque! That’s
right, they ate more food at 10 pm
at night. I was so full I could hardly
eat any, but Gaia and Anja were
really excited to have food. We
joked about how they’re starting to
turn Thai and just how things will
be when we go home.
We were so tired by the time
we got to the house that we were
acting a bit punch-drunk. But after
showers and laughing about how
loopy we were we no longer felt
tired. So we talked. Of course we
talked, we’re girls. That’s what
girls do! Unfortunately we talked
until 3 in the morning and just as
we went to bed the rooster right
outside my window started
crowing nonstop. Obviously, we
did not get much sleep that night.
In the morning I had to pack up
all of my things (since we left to go Hayley
home right after the camp was
over) and the 3 of us headed to
school for breakfast. After we ate
we went to our group stations.
Each station covered different
subjects in the English handbook
and each group spent about 20
minutes at each station. My station
covered identifying animals, body “AFS Exchange
parts, and nationalities. If we had
Students open
time I would have them close their
books and I would quiz them on
windows to the
some of the subjects. The third
group I got was actually very smart.
world for our
They knew a lot of the nationalities
and even how to spell some of the
students.
country names.
The closing ceremony was after
They inspire
lunch and the principal of the
school presented gifts to the Thai
exploration of
trainers at the camp. They even
gave some stuff to us! Each
diverse cultures
exchange student got a towel, a
CD with pictures from the camp,
through everyday
and a 5 kg bag of organic rice.
When I told my host family that it
was for us they joked about how it
contacts.” School
was for *me* and that I had to take
Counselor
it with me when I go back to the
US.
Sawadee ka!
Hayley, Oregon USA

Orientation and Trip Notes

Dear Exchange Students,
It has been a month since you arrived in the USA. I hope everything is going well with you. This is
going to be a year full of activities and events designed just for you. I hope you will participate in as
many events as possible. I know that you will be making many friends this year and may want them to
join you in some of the specific AFS events. However, because of liability issues non-AFS students will
not be able to attend our orientations, trips or special events. There will be lots of non-AFS activities
that your friends can be included. Again, have a good year.
Bernice Gerhardt, Volunteer Support Coordinator
 Volunteer news and notes...
PAGE 10
“It Takes a Village!”
A big thanks to all of you
(volunteers, gateway families
and host families) who have
stepped forward to support
our students and families this
year.
We still need a few more
trained liaisons, so if you know
anyone who would benefit
from being a part of our
program– remember to
Thank you
encourage them and direct
volunteers for them to our website for
helping with volunteer registration.
arrivals! Www.afscp.com. Please
recruit friends, neighbors,
teachers and family members
to get involved with our kids
and families—invite them to
join the ranks of AFS
volunteers—as aunt/uncle; big-
brother-big sister; liaison;
school contact or local
volunteer. Remember, you
are giving them a gift—the
privilege of getting to know
our wonderful kids and
families; the joy of forming
lifelong relationships and
developing a deeper
understanding of another
culture. Invite them to our
gatherings and include them
whenever possible. We also
have many returning
volunteers re-registering—you
all are the heartbeat of our
Flu Shots for Exchange Students
As a reminder, flu shots
(whether for the regular flu or
for the Swine Flue) are
vaccinations.
Natural parents must give
permission for vaccinations
and are responsible for the
cost of vaccinations.
Vaccinations are not covered
by the AFS Medical Plan. The
plan does cover expenses if a
participant gets sick. If a local
school district or state decided
to require this vaccination,
then the Sending Partner
(Student’s home country AFS)
must be informed so that they
WWW.AFSCP.COM
program and our students
need the village to make this
year one they will remember
forever. THANK YOU!
As you may or may not
know, the State Department is
conducting a detailed audit of
compliance for our exchange
programs this year. So we are
busily pulling the last few
pieces of paperwork together
a n d m a ki n g s u r e o u r
volunteers are registered and
properly trained and oriented.
The new rule for liaisons is
they must have training
contact annually, so we are
still playing catch-up to get our
permanent liaisons trainings.
We are advocating for online
training—especially for
experienced liaisons, but that
is still in the IT works.
If you haven't already, I
encourage you to familiarize
yourself with the new Online
Host Family Orientation
model that has been
introduced. Even if you
attended a face-to-face
orientation this year. There
are valuable cultural tips and
reminders in this presentation.
I even learned a few things
going through it! Worthwhile
for volunteers and families!
Ch e ck i t ou t : G o t o
www.afswiki.org then click on
can get the parents’
permission for the shot; it
would be good to also inform
the Sending Partner of the
expense so that the Parents
can a rrang e with th e
participant how he/she will pay
for the shot. Contact your
local AFS Volunteer to initiate
contact with the Sending
Partner.
Any claims sent to GMMI
for vaccinations will be denied.
The language from the
Medical Pamphlet is as follows:
Expenses for Routine Physical
Exams or Preventative Care The
Host Family Info in the left menu.
Then click on the On-line Pre-
Arrival Host Family Orientation.
Once there look for the Easy
Way section and click on the
Online Presentation button.
This will be a great aide to our
more remote placements and
to our repeat host families.
We don’t want these online
trainings to completely replace
the valuable face-to-face
interaction we share, but this
will be a boost for us to
maintain training compliance.
Let us know what you think
about it!
There ill be opportunities
coming up this Fall to promote
AFS and assist in activities for
our kids. Don’t be shy—let
your local coordinator or one
of the team members know
what you want to be doing!
L o t s o f op p or t u n i t i e s :
Fundraising for optional
activities? Sitting information
tables at back-to-school nights
and Farmer’s Markets?
Chaperoning activities?
Become a group leader for
Orientations? Interviewing US
students going abroad? The
world is your oyster!
Peace be with us all!!!
Sally Ann Wells, Area Team
Volunteer Coordinator
Participant Medical Plan does
not pay for routine physicals,
inoculations, vaccinations, or
examinations, even if required
by schools. As an example,
schools often require sports
physical examination prior to
allowing participants to engage
in school sports. Participants
and/or natural parents are
expected to pay for these
expenses directly.
Retrieved from “http://
ww w . a f s w i ki . or g / i nd ex . p h p /
flu_shots_for_hosted_students
 Area Team
Chair PAGE 11
James Spears
Chair-Elect
OPEN
The Calendar 2009—2010
Treasurer
Tom Hilleary
Hosting Co-coordinators
OCT 10-11 CAMP ADAMS ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT—Contact Tami
Stacey Mills Spears for registration tami@spearsintl.com
Andrea Johnson
Sending Coordinator OCT GRAPEFRUIT SALE BEGINS—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs
Emily Leis (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com in the Portland area
Orientation Coordinator
Ron Combs
OCT 23 SCREAM AT THE BEACH—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or
Support Coordinators r1p2combs3@aol.com to sign up for event.
Bernie Gerhardt
Andrea Rapp
Volunteer Coordinator
NOV 16-20 INTERNATIONAL WEEK—REQUIRED EVENT FOR YES & FLEX STU-
Sally Ann Wells DENTS
Liaison Coordinator
Andrea Rapp (interim) DEC CHRISTMAS CANDY SALE—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-
5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Returnee Coordinator
Eric Sussman
Communications DEC 5 GRAPEFRUIT PICK UP—8 AM to Noon at Jackson Middle School—
Coordinator Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Tami Spears
Website DEC 5 EASTSIDE PORTLAND CLUSTER CHRISTMAS PARTY—6 PM to 10
James Spears PM—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
CHAPTER/CLUSTER
COORDINATORS DEC 19 YAMHILL COUNTY CHAPTER HOLIDAY PARTY—Contact Tami or
Beaverton James Spears (503) 883-9023 or tami@spearsintl.com
Stacey Mills
Columbia Gorge JAN 2010 VALENTINE’S CANDY SALE—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs
Rymmel Lovell (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Hillsboro/Forest Grove/Banks
Jim & Erin Linhares
JAN 30 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT— Contact Ron Combs
Lake Oswego (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Lorie James
North Clackamas
Maggie Frieske JAN 31 SKI TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or
r1p2combs3@aol.com
North/Northeast
Chris Cradler
Portland West FEB EASTER CANDY SALE BEGINS— Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503)
Sally Ann Wells 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Southeast/Gresham/Sandy
Bernice Schuchardt APRIL 16-17 THE COLUMBIA GORGE TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT—$10 fee 25 maximum at-
Tigard/Tualatin
tendees—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Andrea Johnson
Tillamook/Oregon Coast MAY 1-3 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT— Con-
Sue Cudd tact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Wilsonville
Michelle Labrie-Ripple MAY 15 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT— Contact Ron
Yamhill County Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Tami & James Spears
Camas/Washougal MAY 30 DAY AT THE ZOO—Contact Jeff Larson
Ruth Ladage
Longview/Kelso/Toledo
Debbie Erickson JUNE END OF STAY PICNIC EVENT—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243
Vancouver/Battle Ground or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Bernie Gerhardt
YES/FLEX Student JUNE 12 GRAND FLORAL PARADE—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or
Coordinators r1p2combs3@aol.com
Maggie Frieske
Rustam Kocher
Rymmel Lovell JUNE 27 DEPARTURE DAY
Visiting Teacher
Coordinators
Jerrie Nelson
Sally Ann Wells
AFS
COLUMBIA
PACIFIC
Tami Spears
1025 NE Irvine St.
McMinnville, OR 97128

Want Souvenir/Scrapbook? E-Mail: Ron Combs r1p2combs3@aol.com

For more information and for our newsletter archives, visit the Columbia-Pacific website at www.AFSCP.com